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Introduction: In the current experiment, we aimed to evaluate whether eliciting pre-exercise non-thermal cooling sensations would alter perceptual measures, and physical and physiological responses in football referees., Methods: Nine highly trained male football referees undertook two 45-minute intermittent exercise protocols in hot and humid conditions (34.2 ± 0.6°C, 62.5 ± 1.0% relative humidity). In a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, 1 of 2 beverages were given before the warm-up: a 0.01% menthol solution or a placebo noncaloric solution. Physical performance was quantified as total distance covered in each of the three 15-minute exercise blocks. Core temperature, heart rate, thermal sensation and thermal comfort were measured at rest and after each exercise block., Results: No changes were observed between trials and over time for distance covered. No main effect of mouth rinse was observed for core temperature and heart rate, but both increased over time in all conditions ( P  < 0.001). Thermal sensation and thermal comfort were significantly improved with menthol after mouth-rinsing ( P  < 0.05), but with no differences at any other time-point., Discussion: These results indicate that non-thermal cooling oral stimuli provide immediate behavioral changes but may not influence physiological or physical responses in football referees, during intermittent exercise in hot and humid environments., Clinical Trial Registration: www.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05632692., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2024 Roriz, Brito, Teixeira, Spyrou and Teixeira.)

Background: Within professional European competitions, matches can be played in extreme environmental temperatures, ranging from -5 °C to +30 °C in different countries. Furthermore, the World Cups are usually played in the summer months, when temperatures can exceed 35 °C, increasing physiological stress. Practical and cost-effective cooling strategies may be implemented to help players and referees to cope with exercising in the heat. No study has evaluated the effect of non-thermal internal cooling techniques regarding performance responses on elite football referees, so far. This study aims to analyse the effects of a menthol mouth rinse regarding physical, physiological, and perceptual performance in elite male football referees, during a 90-min football protocol in the heat., Methods: At least thirteen male football referees will be recruited to perform two intermittent football protocols, separated by no less than 7 days. After passing the eligibility criteria, the participants will be randomly assigned to 1 of 2 beverages: (1) intervention - menthol solution 0.01% and (2) placebo - noncaloric berry-flavored solution, both at room temperature. The beverages will be given before warm-up (pre-cooling) and at the half-time (per-cooling). The trials will follow a randomized counterbalanced crossover design, single blinded, and will take place in indoor facilities, with Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) > 30 °C, at the same time of the day to control for circadian variations., Impact of the Project: The results of this study are expected to determine whether mouth rinsing a menthol solution before and during a football exercise protocol performed in the heat will alter perceptual measures and help ease physiological strain and attenuate performance decrements in elite male football referees, comparing to a non-cooling strategy. Thus, we can be closer to defining nutritional strategies of internal cooling that may be an advantage for the performance of the football referees in the heat., Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05632692 registered on 20 November 2022., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and anthropometry are considered alternatives to well-established reference techniques for assessing body composition. In team sports, the percentage of fat mass (FM%) is one of the most informative parameters, and a wide range of predictive equations allow for its estimation through both BIA and anthropometry. Although it is not clear which of these two techniques is more accurate for estimating FM%, the choice of the predictive equation could be a determining factor. The present study aimed to examine the validity of BIA and anthropometry in estimating FM% with different predictive equations, using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as a reference, in a group of futsal players. A total of 67 high-level male futsal players (age 23.7 ± 5.4 years) underwent BIA, anthropometric measurements, and DXA scanning. Four generalized, four athletic, and two sport-specific predictive equations were used for estimating FM% from raw bioelectric and anthropometric parameters. DXA-derived FM% was used as a reference. BIA-based generalized equations overestimated FM% (ranging from 1.13 to 2.69%, p < 0.05), whereas anthropometry-based generalized equations underestimated FM% in the futsal players (ranging from −1.72 to −2.04%, p < 0.05). Compared to DXA, no mean bias (p > 0.05) was observed using the athletic and sport-specific equations. Sport-specific equations allowed for more accurate and precise FM% estimations than did athletic predictive equations, with no trend (ranging from r = −0.217 to 0.235, p > 0.05). Regardless of the instrument, the choice of the equation determines the validity in FM% prediction. In conclusion, BIA and anthropometry can be used interchangeably, allowing for valid FM% estimations, provided that athletic and sport-specific equations are applied.

This study aimed to (i) characterise the body composition of professional and semi-professional male futsal players, (ii) assess the validity of commonly used equations to estimate FM%, (iii) develop and cross-validate a futsal-specific FM% prediction equation. In a cross-sectional design, 78 adult male futsal players were assessed for body mass, stature, skinfolds, and girths as per the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry protocol and completed a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan for reference body composition data. Using paired-sample t-tests, the FM% from the DXA and nine published equations were compared. New sport-specific models were developed by stepwise multiple regression. Existing equations were cross-validated using the least squares regression, concordance correlation coefficient, and the Bland−Altman analyses. New equations were further cross-validated using the PRESS approach. None of the existing equations accurately predicted the DXA-derived FM% (p < 0.001; R2 ≤ 0.76, SEE ≥ 1.59; CCC ≤ 0.83; bias = −8.2% to −1.3%, limited agreement, and varying trends). The novel Bettery® equation: −0.620 + (0.159 ∗ Σ4SKF [triceps, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh (mm)]) + (0.120 ∗ waist girth (cm)), demonstrated a high accuracy (R2 = 0.85, SEE = 1.32%), a moderate strength of agreement (CCC = 0.92), no bias (0.2%), good agreement (±2.5%), and no trend (r = −0.157; p = 0.170) against the DXA. The Bettery® equation is the first to allow for a valid and sport-specific assessment of FM% in male futsal players.

This study aimed to compare muscle strength and power indicators according to bioimpedance spectroscopy’s phase angle (PhA) values, in resistance-trained (RT) men, while exploring associations between PhA and performance. Forty-four men aged 18−45 years, engaged in RT, were allocated according to PhA tertiles. Lean soft tissue (LST) and fat mass (%FM) were assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry; dynamic muscle strength using 1 repetition maximum (1RM) of bench press (BP) and back squat (BS) and muscle power using Wingate test (WT) and countermovement jump (CMJ). For WT and CMJ, the 3rd tertile was significantly higher than the 1st tertile (p = 0.027 and p = 0.018, respectively). Regarding BP 1RM, the 3rd tertile was significantly higher than the 2nd tertile (p = 0.037). LST better explained the variability in the WT, BS and BP (p =< 0.001), while %FM better accounted for jump height in CMJ (p =< 0.001). PhA was a predictor of performance in both CMJ (p = 0.040) and BP (p = 0.012), independently of LST and %FM. Participants with higher PhA also displayed superior muscle strength of the upper limbs and greater muscle power of the lower limbs. PhA displayed significant moderate associations with performance in CMJ and BP, even after controlling for body composition. Still, LST was the most important predictor of muscle strength and power.

Introduction: The effects of dietary protein on body composition and physical performance seemingly depend on the essential amino acid profile of the given protein source, although controversy exists about whether animal protein sources may possess additional anabolic properties to plant-based protein sources., Purpose: To compare the effects of a novel plant-based protein matrix and whey protein supplementation on body composition, strength, power, and endurance performance of trained futsal players., Methods: Fifty male futsal players were followed during 8 weeks of supplementation, with 40 completing the study either with plant-based protein ( N = 20) or whey protein ( N = 20). The following measures were assessed: bone mineral content, lean body mass, and fat mass; muscle thickness of the rectus femoris; total body water; blood glucose, hematocrit, C-reactive protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate; salivary cortisol; maximal strength and 1-RM testing of the back squat and bench press exercises; muscle power and countermovement jump; VO 2max and maximal aerobic speed. Subjects were asked to maintain regular dietary habits and record dietary intake every 4 weeks through 3-day food records., Results: No differences in any variable were observed between groups at baseline or pre- to post-intervention. Moreover, no time * group interaction was observed in any of the studied variables, and a time effect was only observed regarding fat mass reduction., Conclusions: Supplementing with either a novel plant-based protein matrix or whey protein did not affect any of the variables assessed in high-level futsal players over 8 wks. These results suggest that whey protein does not possess any unique anabolic properties over and above those of plant-based proteins when equated to an essential amino acid profile in the population studied. Furthermore, when consuming a daily protein intake >1.6 g/kg BW.day -1 , additional protein supplementation does not affect body composition or performance in trained futsal players, regardless of protein type/source., Competing Interests: FJT, CNM, JF, and RG are currently employees of a biotechnology company (Bettery S.A.) that produces dietary supplements. This company also developed the plant-based protein matrix (BETTPRO®) used in this study. BJS formerly served on the scientific advisory board of Dymatize Nutrition, a manufacturer of sports supplements. HF is employed by José de Mello Saúde. RC, VHT are advisors for Futebol Clube do Porto. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Teixeira, Matias, Faleiro, Giro, Pires, Figueiredo, Carvalhinho, Monteiro, Reis, Valamatos, Teixeira and Schoenfeld.)

Aims: The present study aimed to assess the ability of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in discriminating fitness levels in futsal players, exploring the association of body composition and bioelectrical parameters with aerobic power. Methods: Forty-eight professional futsal players (age 23.8 ± 5.3 years) were involved in a cross-sectional study during their pre-season phase. Fat mass (FM) and muscle mass were determined by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. VO2max was obtained by indirect calorimetry through a graded exercise test performed on a treadmill. Bioelectrical resistance (R), reactance (Xc), and phase angle (PhA) were directly measured using a foot-to-hand bioimpedance technology at a 50 kHz frequency. Bioelectric R and Xc were standardized for the participants’ height and used to plot the bioimpedance vector in the R-Xc graph according to the BIVA approach. Results: The participants divided into groups of VO2max limited by tertiles showed significant differences in mean vector position in the R-Xc graph (p < 0.001), where a higher VO2max resulted in a longer vector and upper positioning. FM, muscle mass, and PhA differed (p < 0.01) among the athletes grouped by tertiles of VO2max, where athletes with a greater aerobic power showed a lower percentage of FM and a higher percentage of muscle mass and PhA. FM and PhA were associated with VO2max (FM: r = −0.658, p < 0.001; PhA: r = 0.493, p < 0.001). These relationships remained significant after adjusting for age and body mass (FM: ß = −0.335, p = 0.046; PhA: ß = 0.351, p = 0.003). Conclusions: Bioelectrical impedance vectors positioned on the lower pole of the R-Xc graph identified futsal players with a lower VO2max, while longer vectors corresponded to a greater aerobic power. Additionally, PhA, that describes the vector direction, was positively associated with VO2max, while a higher FM negatively affected VO2max in the futsal players. BIVA and PhA evaluation may represent a valid support for screening the aerobic fitness level in professional futsal players, when more sophisticated assessment methods are not available.

Aim and Objective: Report three different solutions in case of XEN-augmented Baerveldt fails., Background: Drainage devices have been used for refractory pediatric glaucoma. To avoid early hypotony and corneal damage, Mermoud et al. introduced the augmentation of a XEN implant with a Baerveldt tube. In some cases, this technique fails to lead to a high intraocular pressure (IOP) and surgical revision., Case Description: Three cases of children with this combined implant needed surgical revision due to high IOP. Three different approaches were performed: XEN replacement in one case, stretching the Baerveldt's tube into the anterior chamber (AC) in the second case, and explant of the device followed by an implant of a new Baerveldt-250 in the same quadrant in the third case. Successful control of IOP (>18 mm Hg) was achieved in all patients under no topical treatment., Conclusion: Despite the attractiveness of the XEN-augmented Baerveldt implant in refractory pediatric glaucoma as an alternative to conventional surgery, we have to learn how to deal with failures. Three different approaches are presented with good short-term results. The long-term efficacy is yet to be assessed., Clinical Significance: Describe three possible options when faced with a need for surgical revision in XEN-augmented Baerveldt implant., How to Cite This Article: José P, Abegão Pinto L, Teixeira FJ. XEN-augmented Baerveldt Failure: Three Different Revision Approaches for Pediatric Patients. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2021;15(2):96-98., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2021; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Purpose: The Baerveldt-XEN technique is intended to reduce the risk of early hypotony after Baerveldt implant, while keeping a good long-term intra-ocular pressure (IOP) control. The aim of this study is to discuss the surgical success rate of the Baerveldt-XEN and compare it with the commercially available flow-restrictor device (Ahmed glaucoma valve - AGV)., Methods: Single-centre, cohort study. Consecutive glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP > 21 mmHg on maximum tolerated medical therapy, and who had an aqueous shunt as the planned surgical procedure. Patients underwent implantation of Baerveldt-XEN. An age-, gender- and glaucoma aetiology-matched database of AGV patients was used for comparison. Complete surgical success was defined as a final IOP between 6 and 21 mmHg, and 20% reduction from baseline with no need for IOP-lowering medication. Qualified success was the same criteria but resorting to medications., Results: Twenty-four eyes from 24 subjects with glaucoma were included in this study, 12 patients underwent Baerveldt-XEN implantation and 12 AGV. Twelve months after the Baerveldt-XEN implant, the IOP reduced from 33 ± 9 mmHg to 14 ± 3 mmHg (p < 0.001). The qualified and complete success rate was 50% and 25%, respectively. With the AGV, the IOP reduced from 29 ± 7 mmHg to 16 ± 7 mmHg (p = 0.001). The matched AGV group compared to the Baerveldt-XEN, presented a higher complete success rate (58.3%) and a qualified success rate of 33.3% (p = 0.72). No sight-threatening complications were recorded in both groups., Conclusions: The Baerveldt-XEN disclosed a low complete success rate at 1 year of follow-up, although with no major safety concerns. While studies with a longer follow-up are needed to demonstrate the potential advantages and disadvantages of the Baerveldt-XEN, this technique may be less likely to achieve drop-free efficacy when compared to other flow-restrictor strategies., (© 2020 Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Aims: This study aimed to investigate morphologic features of optic disc drusen (ODD) and peripapillary hyperreflective ovoid mass-like structures (PHOMS) in children, using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). It also assessed if the presence of these features were associated with decreased peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness., Methods: Retrospective observational study of children with ODD. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination and multimodal imaging. ODD were identified on EDI-OCT as circumscribed hyporeflective spheroidal elements located in front of lamina cribrosa, fully or partially surrounded by a hyperreflective border. PHOMS were identified as hyperreflective ovoid structures located in the peripapillary circumference. Both associations between ODD and RNFL loss and PHOMS and RNFL loss were tested using chi-squared test., Results: In total, 38 eyes of 20 children were analysed. PHOMS were present in 90% of patients. ODD and PHOMS were predominantly found in the nasal, superonasal and inferonasal sectors. A significant positive association was found between ODD and decreased RNFL thickness in the nasal (p = 0.02), superonasal (p = 0.05) and inferotemporal (p = 0.04) sectors. There was no significant association found with the presence of PHOMS., Conclusion: EDI-OCT allowed morphological analysis of ODD and PHOMS in children. Drusen were found to be distinct from PHOMS both in their appearance and impact on the RNFL. ODD are hyporeflective and appear on the ONH above the lamina cribrosa and were associated with decreased thickness of the RNFL. On the contrary, PHOMS are hyperreflective structures located around the ONH and were not associated with RNFL loss.

β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB) is a leucine metabolite that is purported to increase fat-free mass (FFM) gain and performance in response to resistance exercise training (RET). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of HMB supplementation in augmenting FFM and strength gains during RET in young adults. Outcomes investigated were: total body mass (TBM), FFM, fat mass (FM), total single repetition maximum (1RM), bench press (BP) 1RM, and lower body (LwB) 1RM. Databases consulted were: Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (Medline), Excerpta Medica database (Embase), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and SportDiscus. Fourteen studies fit the inclusion criteria; however, 11 were analyzed after data extraction and funnel plot analysis exclusion. A total of 302 participants (18-45 y) were included in body mass and composition analysis, and 248 were included in the strength analysis. A significant effect was found on TBM. However, there were no significant effects for FFM, FM, or strength outcomes. We conclude that HMB produces a small effect on TBM gain, but this effect does not translate into significantly greater increases in FFM, strength or decreases in FM during periods of RET. Our findings do not support the use of HMB aiming at improvement of body composition or strength with RET.

Leucine metabolites, α-hydroxyisocaproic acid (α-HICA) and β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (calcium, HMB-Ca and free acid, HMB-FA), have been proposed to augment resistance training-induced changes in body composition and performance., Purpose: We aimed to conduct a double-blind randomized controlled pragmatic trial to evaluate the effects of off-the-shelf leucine metabolite supplements of α-HICA, HMB-FA, and HMB-Ca on resistance training-induced changes in muscle thickness and performance., Methods: Forty men were randomly assigned to receive α-HICA (n = 10, fat-free mass [FFM] = 62.0 ± 7.1 kg), HMB-FA (n = 11, FFM = 62.7 ± 10.5 kg), HMB-Ca (n = 9, FFM = 65.6 ± 10.1 kg), or placebo (PLA; n = 10, FFM = 64.2 ± 5.7 kg). The training program consisted of whole body thrice weekly resistance training for 8 wk (seven exercises per session, three to four sets per session, at 70%-80% one repetition maximum). Skeletal muscle thickness by ultrasound, performance measures, and blood measures (creatine kinase, insulin-like growth factor 1, growth hormone, cortisol, and total testosterone) were evaluated at baseline and at the end of weeks 4 and 8., Results: Time-dependent changes were observed for muscle thickness (P < 0.001), one repetition maximum bench press and squat (P < 0.001), Wingate peak power (P = 0.02), countermovement jump height (P = 0.03), power (P = 0.006), creatine kinase, insulin-like growth factor-1, growth hormone, and cortisol (all P < 0.001). No significant between-group or time-group interactions were observed., Conclusions: No leucine metabolite resulted in any ergogenic effects on any outcome variable. Supplementation with leucine metabolites-α-HICA, HMB-FA, or HMB-Ca-is not a supplementation strategy that improves muscle growth and strength development in young adult men.

Research involving dietary supplement interventions for sarcopenia and osteopenia in type 1 diabetes patients is scarce. Here we present a case study of a type 1 diabetic patient that was treated with supplemental alpha-hydroxy-isocaproic acid (α-HICA) for 120 days. Several measures of body composition by dual x-ray absorptiometry, blood markers, and maximum voluntary contraction parameters were assessed at baseline and after 120 days. The patient's baseline weight was 73.2 kg, which increased to 75.2 kg by the 120-day assessment. Salient mass distribution changes included increases of trunk fat mass (+0.4 kg), trunk fat free mass (+0.2 kg), total trunk mass (+0.2 kg), and a decrease of 8 percent in trunk fat mass contribution. Handgrip strength increased by 58.84 N, whereas isometric force in the leg press decreased by 347.15 N. Amelioration of BMD Z-scores from -0.7 to 0.5 and T-scores from -1.0 to -0.9 were noted. Importantly, full hematologic measures and weekly nutritional counselling assessments revealed no signs of adverse effects with α-HICA supplementation. Due to the imperative of maintaining FFM, strength and bone mass in these patients, additional research is necessary to confirm these promising results and to clarify whether leucine and/or one of its derivatives might be clinically useful.

Objective: To compare hemodynamic effects in dogs anesthetized with remifentanilisoflurane and with isoflurane alone., Animals: 6 adult dogs., Procedures: Mechanically ventilated, isoflurane-anesthetized dogs received increasing constant rate infusions (CRIs) of remifentanil (0.15, 0.30, 0.60, and 0.90 μg/kg/min) or physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment), with a 1-week washout interval between treatments. Each CRI of remifentanil or saline solution was maintained for 60 minutes with equipotent end-tidal isoflurane concentrations that corresponded to 1.3 times the minimum alveolar concentration. Hemodynamic measurements and plasma vasopressin concentrations were determined before and at the end of each CRI and 60 minutes after the end of the infusion regimen., Results: Compared with the control treatment, remifentanil CRIs significantly decreased heart rate (HR) and cardiac index (CI) and significantly increased systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) and plasma vasopressin concentration. Greatest differences in mean values between treatments were recorded for remifentanil at 0.60 μg/kg/min (HR and Cl were 55% and 47% lower, respectively, and SVRI was 91% higher than for the control treatment). Mean arterial pressure increased significantly during the highest remifentanil CRI (9% higher than for the control treatment). The increase in vascular resistance was positively correlated with increases in vasopressin concentrations (coefficient of determination, 0.65) during anesthesia with remifentanil-isoflurane., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Anesthesia maintained with remifentanil-isoflurane may decrease tissue perfusion as a result of a decrease in Cl. However, hypotension may not develop because of systemic vasoconstriction. An increase in plasma vasopressin concentration was associated with the vasoconstriction observed in dogs anesthetized with remifentanil-isoflurane.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of increasing doses of remifentanil hydrochloride administered via constant rate infusion (CRI) on the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in cats., Animals: 6 healthy adult cats., Procedures: For each cat, 2 experiments were performed (2-week interval). On each study day, anesthesia was induced and maintained with isoflurane; a catheter was placed in a cephalic vein for the administration of lactated Ringer's solution or remifentanil CRIs, and a catheter was placed in the jugular vein for collection of blood samples for blood gas analyses. On the first study day, individual basal MAC (MAC(Basal)) was determined for each cat. On the second study day, 3 remifentanil CRIs (0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 microg/kg/min) were administered (in ascending order); for each infusion, at least 30 minutes elapsed before determination of MAC (designated as MAC(R0.25), MAC(R0.5), and MAC(R1.0), respectively). A 15-minute washout period was allowed between CRIs. A control MAC (MAC(Control)) was determined after the last remifentanil infusion., Results: Mean +/- SD MAC(Basal) and MAC(Control) values at sea level did not differ significantly (1.66 +/- 0.08% and 1.52 +/- 0.21%, respectively). The MAC values determined for each remifentanil CRI did not differ significantly. However, MAC(R0.25), MAC(R0.5), and MAC(R1.0) were significantly decreased, compared with MAC(Basal), by 23.4 +/- 7.9%, 29.8 +/- 8.3%, and 26.0 +/- 9.4%, respectively., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: The 3 doses of remifentanil administered via CRI resulted in a similar degree of isoflurane MAC reduction in adult cats, indicating that a ceiling effect was achieved following administration of the lowest dose.

Objective: To evaluate analgesic effects of epidurally administered neostigmine alone or in combination with morphine in dogs after ovariohysterectomy. Animals-40 healthy bitches., Procedures: After acepromazine premedication, anesthesia was induced. Dogs randomly received 1 of the following 4 epidural treatments 30 minutes before ovariohysterectomy (n = 10/group): saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control), morphine (0.1 mg/kg), neostigmine (10 microg/kg), or morphine-neostigmine (0.1 mg/kg and 10 microg/kg, respectively). Analgesia was assessed for 24 hours after surgery by use of a visual analogue scale (VAS; scale of 0 to 10) or numeric descriptive scale (NDS; scale of 0 to 24) and by the need for supplemental analgesia (morphine [0.5 mg/kg, IM] administered when VAS was > or = 4 or NDS was > or = 8)., Results: Significantly more control dogs (n = 8) received supplemental analgesia, compared with the number of neostigmine-treated dogs (1); no dogs in the remaining groups received supplemental analgesia. Compared with values for the control dogs, the NDS scores were lower for morphine-neostigmine-treated dogs (from 2 to 6 hours and at 12 hours) and for morphine-treated dogs (all time points). The NDS scores were lower for morphine-treated dogs at 3, 12, and 24 hours, compared with values for neostigmine-treated dogs. The VAS was less sensitive than the NDS for detecting differences among groups., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Epidurally administered neostigmine reduced the use of supplemental analgesia after ovariohysterectomy in dogs. However, analgesic effects were less pronounced than for epidurally administered morphine or morphine-neostigmine. Adding neostigmine to epidurally administered morphine did not potentiate opioid-induced analgesia.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of administration of a peripheral alpha(2)-adrenergic receptor antagonist (L-659,066), with and without concurrent administration of glycopyrrolate, on cardiopulmonary effects of medetomidine administration in dogs., Animals: 6 healthy adult dogs., Procedures: Dogs received saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (saline group), L-659,066 (group L), or L-659,066 with glycopyrrolate (group LG). These pretreatments were followed 10 minutes later by administration of medetomidine in a randomized crossover study. Hemodynamic measurements and arterial and mixed-venous blood samples for blood gas analysis were obtained prior to pretreatment, 5 minutes after pretreatment, and after medetomidine administration at intervals up to 60 minutes., Results: After pretreatment in the L and LG groups, heart rate, cardiac index, and partial pressure of oxygen in mixed-venous blood (PvO2) values were higher than those in the saline group. After medetomidine administration, heart rate, cardiac index, and PvO2 were higher and systemic vascular resistance, mean arterial blood pressure, and central venous pressure were lower in the L and LG groups than in the saline group. When the L and LG groups were compared, heart rate was greater at 5 minutes after medetomidine administration, mean arterial blood pressure was greater at 5 and 15 minutes after medetomidine administration, and central venous pressure was lower during the 60-minute period after medetomidine administration in the LG group., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Administration of L-659,066 prior to administration of medetomidine reduced medetomidine-induced cardiovascular changes in healthy dogs. No advantage was detected with concurrent administration of L-659,066 and glycopyrrolate.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of 2 remifentanil infusion regimens on cardiovascular function and responses to nociceptive stimulation in propofol-anesthetized cats., Animals: 8 adult cats., Procedures: On 2 occasions, cats received acepromazine followed by propofol (6 mg/kg then 0.3 mg/kg/min, i.v.) and a constant rate infusion (CRI) of remifentanil (0.2 or 0.3 microg/kg/ min, i.v.) for 90 minutes and underwent mechanical ventilation (phase I). After recording physiologic variables, an electrical stimulus (50 V; 50 Hz; 10 milliseconds) was applied to a forelimb to assess motor responses to nociceptive stimulation. After an interval (> or = 10 days), the same cats were anesthetized via administration of acepromazine and a similar infusion regimen of propofol; the remifentanil infusion rate adjustments that were required to inhibit cardiovascular responses to ovariohysterectomy were recorded (phase II)., Results: In phase I, heart rate and arterial pressure did not differ between remifentanil-treated groups. From 30 to 90 minutes, cats receiving 0.3 microg of remifentanil/kg/min had no response to noxious stimulation. Purposeful movement was detected more frequently in cats receiving 0.2 microg of remifentanil/kg/min. In phase II, the highest dosage (mean +/- SEM) of remifentanil that prevented cardiovascular responses was 0.23 +/- 0.01 microg/kg/min. For all experiments, mean time from infusion cessation until standing ranged from 115 to 140 minutes., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Although the lower infusion rate of remifentanil allowed ovariohysterectomy to be performed, a CRI of 0.3 microg/kg/min was necessary to prevent motor response to electrical stimulation in propofol-anesthetized cats. Recovery from anesthesia was prolonged with this technique.

Objective: To investigate the effects of buprenorphine on cardiopulmonary variables and on abdominal auscultation scores in horses., Animals: 6 healthy adult horses., Procedures: Horses were restrained in stocks and allocated to 2 treatments in a randomized crossover design, with 1-week intervals between each treatment. Saline (0.9% NaCl) solution was administered IV as a control, whereas buprenorphine (10 mug/kg, IV) was administered to the experimental group. Cardiopulmonary data were collected for 120 minutes after buprenorphine or saline solution administration. Abdominal auscultation scores were monitored for 2 and 12 hours after drug administration in the control and experimental groups, respectively., Results: Following control treatment, horses remained calm while restrained in the stocks and no significant changes in cardiopulmonary variables were observed throughout the study. Buprenorphine administration caused excitatory phenomena (restlessness and head shaking). Heart rate, cardiac index, and arterial blood pressure were significantly increased after buprenorphine administration until the end of the observational period (120 minutes). Minimal changes were found in arterial blood gas tensions. Abdominal auscultation scores decreased significantly from baseline for 4 hours after buprenorphine administration., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Buprenorphine induced excitement and hemodynamic stimulation with minimal changes in arterial blood gas tensions. These effects may impact the clinical use of buprenorphine in horses. Further studies are indicated to investigate the effects of buprenorphine on gastrointestinal motility and fecal output.

Objective: To compare hemodynamic, clinicopathologic, and gastrointestinal motility effects and recovery characteristics of halothane and isoflurane in horses undergoing arthroscopic surgery., Animals: 8 healthy adult horses., Procedure: Anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane or halothane (crossover study). At 6 intervals during anesthesia and surgery, cardiopulmonary variables and related derived values were recorded. Recovery from anesthesia was assessed; gastrointestinal tract motility was subjectively monitored for 72 hours after anesthesia. Horses were administered chromium, and fecal chromium concentration was used to assess intestinal transit time. Venous blood samples were collected for clinicopathologic analyses before and 2, 24, and 48 hours after anesthesia., Results: Compared with halothane-anesthetized horses, cardiac index, oxygen delivery, and heart rate were higher and systemic vascular resistance was lower in isoflurane-anesthetized horses. Mean arterial blood pressure and the dobutamine dose required to maintain blood pressure were similar for both treatments. Duration and quality of recovery from anesthesia did not differ between treatments, although the recovery periods were somewhat shorter with isoflurane. After isoflurane anesthesia, gastrointestinal motility normalized earlier and intestinal transit time of chromium was shorter than that detected after halothane anesthesia. Compared with isoflurane, halothane was associated with increases in serum aspartate transaminase and glutamate dehydrogenase activities, but there were no other important differences in clinicopathologic variables between treatments., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Compared with halothane, isoflurane appears to be associated with better hemodynamic stability during anesthesia, less hepatic and muscle damage, and more rapid return of normal intestinal motility after anesthesia in horses undergoing arthroscopic procedures.

Since glucocorticoids decrease and protein kinase C (PKC) activators increase amniotic PGE2 production, the possibility that they regulate the activity of prostaglandin endoperoxide H synthase (PGHS), the rate-limiting enzyme of prostaglandin synthesis from arachidonate, was investigated. Glucocorticoids inhibited the production of PGE2 from exogenous arachidonate specifically and in a concentration dependent fashion. Furthermore, cortisol decreased PGHS activity and the amount of PGHS protein in amnion microsomes, and reduced the rate of recovery of PGHS after acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) pretreatment. Actinomycin D blocked the inhibition of PGHS recovery by cortisol, but did not suppress the spontaneous recovery of the enzyme, indicating that the glucocorticoid induced a post-transcriptional inhibitor of PGHS synthesis. PKC-activating phorbol esters, such as 12-tetradecanoyl phorbol 13-acetate (TPA) increased the synthesis of PGE2 from exogenous arachidonate, also in a specific and concentration dependent manner. PGHS recovery after ASA treatment was enhanced by TPA. PGHS activity and protein concentrations were increased by phorbol ester treatment; however, this was apparent only in tissues in which the concentrations of PGHS were initially low. These results show that the synthesis of PGHS is positively and negatively regulated in the human amnion by PKC and glucocorticoids, respectively, and suggest that effectors using these pathways may regulate the enzyme in vivo.

The fibroblast of the fetal and neonatal lung is intimately involved with lung development and function. Additionally, the perinatal rat lung fibroblast is a significant source of prostaglandins (PG) I2 and E2, which in turn affect lung development and function. Their effects may be mediated by cAMP. We, therefore, tested both the relative effectiveness of PG and the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol, and the developmental age sensitivity to these agonists on rat perinatal lung fibroblast cAMP accumulation. Confluent monolayer cultures of 3rd-passage fibroblasts (greater than 95% purity) from d-3 newborn rats responded in a concentration-dependent fashion to several PG (10(-8)-10(-4) M) and isoproterenol (10(-7)-2 x 10(-6) M) by increasing cAMP accumulation. The rank order of responsiveness, in terms of maximum accumulated cAMP, were carba PGI2 greater than PGE1 = PGI2 Na salt = PGI2 methyl ester much greater than PGE2 greater than isoproterenol. At the 3 developmental d tested [d 20 fetus, d 1 newborn, and d 3 newborn (term = d 22)], PGE2, carba PGI2, and isoproterenol each elicited concentration-dependent increases in cAMP accumulation. Unstimulated cAMP levels were 2-5 fmol/micrograms protein/15 min at all three ages. On d 20 of gestation, the highest accumulation achieved at the highest concentration tested was 30-70 fmol/micrograms protein/15 min for each agonist. There was no age-dependent change in responsiveness to PGE2. Carba PGI2-stimulated cAMP accumulation increased from d 20 of gestation with each advancing age tested to approximately 15-fold by d 3 newborn.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)